A survey analysis of quantum computing adoption and the paradigm of privacy engineering

Abstract

AbstractThis study investigates the adoption of quantum computing (QC) technology using the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory and provides an extensive literature review. We deployed structural equation modeling to analyze data from a survey conducted among 96 top managers in various industries from Canada, the US, and Europe, including IT‐based small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) dealing with QC software development. Our survey analysis indicates that the complexity of QC systems and software is the main barrier to the future adoption of quantum computing. This research offers insights into how future quantum computers can impact the security and privacy of information, emphasizing the importance of privacy protection. In this context, the study contributes to the notion of privacy engineering in the complex context of QC. The study established important outlines and tools for shaping future QCs. Our study, backed by empirical evidence, underscores the significant impact of new technology on citizens', organizations', firms', and government‐private data. The results provide a clear message to policymakers, industry leaders, and developers: privacy engineering should be an integral part of technical development, and it's crucial to act before costs escalate. In this context, our study stands out as one of the few that use NLP and structural equation modeling to address privacy challenges in QC research through experimental research, offering practical solutions to real‐world problems.